Here at LBeLB, we like to roll with the times. Which is why, if something isn't working, I try to fix it. Take Tune Tape Tuesdays. A few of you have fed back that the sheer megaload of great music I give you every week, in separate Soundclouds, slows down their Internet browser and makes y'all a sad panda. So I've taken the liberty of trying to find a solution. Instead of listing every song individually, I've put them all into a set - hopefully making running time smoother, and allowing you to play the whole Tune Tape at once (without having to click on each track when the last one ends). Let me know whether this set-up works better. As for the introductory jargon - let's do away with it for a while, and just appreciate the music on its own. If any of you really enjoy my ramblings, then drop me a line, and depending on demand, I'll pick it up again.
Happy listening.
Love,
Belle x
Wednesday
Wish List Mondays #38 - The Look For Less
So I know I've been absent for a while. What with putting down a deposit on my own flat (and feeling super grown-up about it), working 12-hour days, and getting back into the dating scene, I've hardly had a moment to breathe. Or more importantly: shop. Which is why this Wish List has been a couple of weeks in the making, but months in the pipeline. Remember that show a few years ago in which Gok Wan went up against some American troll of a "stylist", trying to convince the nation that he could make High Street look High-End? Well, I thought I'd have a shot at it. So this week, I've put together three looks: Casual, Work, and Party - each with one high-priced, designer bought items, the other with entirely High Street finds. If that doesn't make sense, hopefully it will once you scroll down (it's been a long week).
CASUAL
For the purpose of this article, I am going to call myself a stylist. And what does every stylist have to have? Inspiration, mon cher. Well, my inspiration behind this look is a transitional 'weekend casual' - what you might see in any British park, or shopping arcade, come the weekend. It's part-pretty, part-grunge, and 100% "now".
DESIGNER
1. Scalloped Lace and Jersey Dress by Marc by Marc Jacobs, Net-a-Porter, £290. Buy it here.
2. Men's Chunky Ribbed Wool Cardigan by Dolce & Gabbana, Mr Porter, £650. Buy it here.
3. 'Alexa' Satchel in Deer Brown Hair Calf, Mulberry, £2,500. Buy it here.
4. 'Christi' Hidden Wedge Boots by Isabel Marant, Matches, £410. Buy them here.
5. Cashmere Cable Socks, Pringle of Scotland, £75.
TOTAL: £3,925
HIGH STREET
6. Cutwork Tea Dress, Topshop, £50. Buy it here.
7. Knitted Cardigan, H&M, £25. Buy it here.
8. 'Times Table' Leather Satchel, Clarks, £80. Buy it here.
9. 'Moonlit Cool' Leather Suede Ankle Boots, Clarks, £70. Buy them here.
10. Fairisle Socks, ASOS, £3. Buy them here.
TOTAL: £228
WORK
If you work in an office dominated by men (I work in fashion, so no such luck for me), it's all about power dressing. Shirts, tux pants, soft - yet strong - tailoring, and heels are a must. Massively intimidating black bag optional, but advised.
DESIGNER
1. Wide Leg Tuxedo Trousers by Antonio Berardi, Matches, £888. Buy them here.
2. 'Grace' Washed Silk Shirt by Equipment, Net-a-Porter, £240. Buy it here.
3. Faux Suede and Mesh Pumps by Stella McCartney, Net-a-Porter, £490. Buy them here.
4. 'Cabas Chic' Medium Leather Shopper by Saint Laurent, Net-a-Porter, £1,540.
TOTAL: £3,158
HIGH STREET
5. Suit Trousers, Mango, £20. Buy them here.
6. Silk Blouse, H&M, £40. Buy it here.
7. 'Alma Kendra' Black Suede Pump, Clarks, £55. Buy them here.
8. Leather Bag with Metal Tab, Zara, £109. Buy it here.
TOTAL: £224
PARTY
As Summer rolls to a close, and the nights start to get longer, people tend to have more parties. "Dark corners for dark deeds" and all that. Queue the LBD. It's been languishing in your cupboard for over six months, so time to give it an update with some statement heels and a gorgeous clutch - roll on midnight, Cinderella.
DESIGNER
1. Lace Mini Dress by Dolce & Gabbana, Matches, £2,060. Buy it here.
2. Blue Suede Sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti, Net-a-Porter, £450. Buy them here.
3. 'The Knot' Intrecciato Satin Clutch by Bottega Veneta, Net-a-Porter, £990. Buy it here.
TOTAL: £3,500
HIGH STREET
4. 'Rochelle' Ribbon Dress, French Connection, £180. Buy it here.
5. 'On and On' Blue Wedges, Office, £50. Buy them here.
6. Horn Clutch by Vince Camuto, Kurt Geiger, £105. Buy it here.
TOTAL: £335
I'm not Gok Wan. I'm not going to sit here and call you "gorjuz baby doll", and tell you to "work it, hunny". I know designer looks better than High Street. That's why it's more expensive. But the High Street exists for the purpose of getting the look that celebrities are wearing, for a fraction of the cost. And hey, Britain does this pretty well. In my opinion, British fashion defines itself by its High Street. Those 'most fashionable' aren't the ones you see dressed head-to-toe in Versace, Dolce, or MiuMiu. They're the ones who mix Topshop with Temperley, Primark with Prada, Gap with Gucci. And that's something to be commended.
Love,
Belle x
CASUAL
For the purpose of this article, I am going to call myself a stylist. And what does every stylist have to have? Inspiration, mon cher. Well, my inspiration behind this look is a transitional 'weekend casual' - what you might see in any British park, or shopping arcade, come the weekend. It's part-pretty, part-grunge, and 100% "now".
1. Scalloped Lace and Jersey Dress by Marc by Marc Jacobs, Net-a-Porter, £290. Buy it here.
2. Men's Chunky Ribbed Wool Cardigan by Dolce & Gabbana, Mr Porter, £650. Buy it here.
3. 'Alexa' Satchel in Deer Brown Hair Calf, Mulberry, £2,500. Buy it here.
4. 'Christi' Hidden Wedge Boots by Isabel Marant, Matches, £410. Buy them here.
5. Cashmere Cable Socks, Pringle of Scotland, £75.
TOTAL: £3,925
HIGH STREET
6. Cutwork Tea Dress, Topshop, £50. Buy it here.
7. Knitted Cardigan, H&M, £25. Buy it here.
8. 'Times Table' Leather Satchel, Clarks, £80. Buy it here.
9. 'Moonlit Cool' Leather Suede Ankle Boots, Clarks, £70. Buy them here.
10. Fairisle Socks, ASOS, £3. Buy them here.
TOTAL: £228
WORK
If you work in an office dominated by men (I work in fashion, so no such luck for me), it's all about power dressing. Shirts, tux pants, soft - yet strong - tailoring, and heels are a must. Massively intimidating black bag optional, but advised.
1. Wide Leg Tuxedo Trousers by Antonio Berardi, Matches, £888. Buy them here.
2. 'Grace' Washed Silk Shirt by Equipment, Net-a-Porter, £240. Buy it here.
3. Faux Suede and Mesh Pumps by Stella McCartney, Net-a-Porter, £490. Buy them here.
4. 'Cabas Chic' Medium Leather Shopper by Saint Laurent, Net-a-Porter, £1,540.
TOTAL: £3,158
HIGH STREET
5. Suit Trousers, Mango, £20. Buy them here.
6. Silk Blouse, H&M, £40. Buy it here.
7. 'Alma Kendra' Black Suede Pump, Clarks, £55. Buy them here.
8. Leather Bag with Metal Tab, Zara, £109. Buy it here.
TOTAL: £224
PARTY
As Summer rolls to a close, and the nights start to get longer, people tend to have more parties. "Dark corners for dark deeds" and all that. Queue the LBD. It's been languishing in your cupboard for over six months, so time to give it an update with some statement heels and a gorgeous clutch - roll on midnight, Cinderella.
1. Lace Mini Dress by Dolce & Gabbana, Matches, £2,060. Buy it here.
2. Blue Suede Sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti, Net-a-Porter, £450. Buy them here.
3. 'The Knot' Intrecciato Satin Clutch by Bottega Veneta, Net-a-Porter, £990. Buy it here.
TOTAL: £3,500
HIGH STREET
4. 'Rochelle' Ribbon Dress, French Connection, £180. Buy it here.
5. 'On and On' Blue Wedges, Office, £50. Buy them here.
6. Horn Clutch by Vince Camuto, Kurt Geiger, £105. Buy it here.
TOTAL: £335
I'm not Gok Wan. I'm not going to sit here and call you "gorjuz baby doll", and tell you to "work it, hunny". I know designer looks better than High Street. That's why it's more expensive. But the High Street exists for the purpose of getting the look that celebrities are wearing, for a fraction of the cost. And hey, Britain does this pretty well. In my opinion, British fashion defines itself by its High Street. Those 'most fashionable' aren't the ones you see dressed head-to-toe in Versace, Dolce, or MiuMiu. They're the ones who mix Topshop with Temperley, Primark with Prada, Gap with Gucci. And that's something to be commended.
Love,
Belle x
Friday
Tune Tape Tuesdays #35
It might not be a Tuesday, but perhaps this Tune Tape is coming to you at a good time: just before the weekend. Here in balmy Bristol, we're being treated to a balloon festival, where, every evening, hundreds of hot air balloons float through the skies above the city delighting children and adults alike. It's a beautiful time to be outside and enjoying a barbecue - and what do barbecues need even more than a piles of assorted undercooked meat? Music. And I think I've got just the ticket...
It's the Return of the King. The Kings of Leon, that is. And about time too. A couple of weeks ago, they released their first single since 2010: Supersoaker. As a massive KoL fan, I have to be honest: I was fairly underwhelmed. Luckily this week, they dropped their second single off their new album, 'Mechanical Bull' (available to buy 23rd September), and have totally restored my faith with Wait for Me. Sounding more like a return to their 'Aha Shake Heartbreak' days, but with the emotion of Pyro, it signals a great return to form and proves that the Kings have still got it.
Next up is a track that uses possibly the most epic recording sample I've ever heard in a Deep House track: the Emperor speech from Charlie Chaplin's The Dictator. Sax is provided by the incredibly talented Adrian Symes - think Klangarussell, but smoother and sexier. Unlike a lot of 'epic speech' samples that have been used before, Thomas Jack manages to blend it perfectly with both the beat and melodies. I'm excited, how bout you.
While not exactly new, this song is new to me - and it's utterly timeless. Third on this week's list is Didn't I, by the 70's soul artist Darondo. Lesser known (and less cheesy) than the BeeGees, this track will inject your iTunes library with some serious soul.
I've featured a couple of Kulkid tracks on here lately. This week he's back, with his new remix of Mumford & Sons' huge hit of 2012: I Will Wait. Without being too obvious about it, Kulkid gives new life to the track and turns it into quite a subtle - but powerful - well, banger, blending house with a dash of Jamaican dancehall perfectly. Who doesn't like a smattering of steel drums. If I Will Wait was too "gay" for you guys out there to listen to first time around, at least you can now enjoy it without fear of growing a vagina.
Speaking of steel drums, next up is BASECAMP (what is it with bands and capitalised names these days.) with Emmanuel. Listed as 'electronic R&B', it's almost impossible to put this category in any genre, but don't let that put you off - it's great because it's original. With a vibe that is perfect in almost any situation - enough beat to move to, yet sexy and slow enough to be chilled - it's a great new addition to your iPod.
BANKS is everywhere at the moment, but this week they've teamed up with SOHN who has helped produce their latest track, Waiting Game. You can definitely hear his influence in the track - it's much more subtle, more dark, and less indie; defiantly Chillwave in nature. It's definitely the best thing they've done to date - I hope to hear more in the future.
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love Indie. Which is why I'm super excited about the next track: Beggar in the Morning by The Barr Brothers. Indie to the point of singer-songwriter acoustic, it's exactly the kind of sound I like to chill out to. A song you can imagine on the soundtrack of something like 500 Days of Summer, it's both happy in sound, but powerful in lyrics. Perfect to listen to on those sunny mornings in to work.
I absolutely adore Fink. This is the Thing is one of my favourite songs ever. Synapson has taken his track, Maker, and given it an ingenious makeover, putting in some extra instrumentals and a Funky House beat. Warning: may result in sex.
On my weekend on the East Coast we had no choice but to listen to late-night Kiss FM. As much as I have my doubts about late-night radio (I can't help but think about Alan Partridge), this song came on and totally blew me away. It's Aeroplane's remix of Grace Jones' William's Blood. I'll be honest, I'm not a massive fan of Miss Jones, but what Aeroplane have done to this track is bloody epic. Not quite Progressive House, not quite Dub, it's seven and a half minutes of awesome. And 'awesome' is a genre.
Next up are two songs by Jakubi, a new artist I discovered this week. Although I've kind of gone off new Hip-Hop lately (too many Drake and Kanye wannabes as far as I'm concerned), I can't help but like this guy's style. In both Can't Afford it All and Holiday there are fewer bitches, hoes, and expletives; more in keeping with mid-00's artists such as Gym Class Heroes - combining rap with melodies that you will have in your head for days. There might not be much of a 'message', but with a vibe this happy, who really gives a shit.
Finally, we have Misterwives with Coffins, who are following in the footsteps of female-led bands such as The Jezabels. These bands combine unusual lyrical themes with beautiful melodies and instrumentals (in this case, violins) to produce moving and emotive tracks that offer up a new meaning with every listen. Powerful stuff.
While not exactly new, this song is new to me - and it's utterly timeless. Third on this week's list is Didn't I, by the 70's soul artist Darondo. Lesser known (and less cheesy) than the BeeGees, this track will inject your iTunes library with some serious soul.
I've featured a couple of Kulkid tracks on here lately. This week he's back, with his new remix of Mumford & Sons' huge hit of 2012: I Will Wait. Without being too obvious about it, Kulkid gives new life to the track and turns it into quite a subtle - but powerful - well, banger, blending house with a dash of Jamaican dancehall perfectly. Who doesn't like a smattering of steel drums. If I Will Wait was too "gay" for you guys out there to listen to first time around, at least you can now enjoy it without fear of growing a vagina.
Speaking of steel drums, next up is BASECAMP (what is it with bands and capitalised names these days.) with Emmanuel. Listed as 'electronic R&B', it's almost impossible to put this category in any genre, but don't let that put you off - it's great because it's original. With a vibe that is perfect in almost any situation - enough beat to move to, yet sexy and slow enough to be chilled - it's a great new addition to your iPod.
BANKS is everywhere at the moment, but this week they've teamed up with SOHN who has helped produce their latest track, Waiting Game. You can definitely hear his influence in the track - it's much more subtle, more dark, and less indie; defiantly Chillwave in nature. It's definitely the best thing they've done to date - I hope to hear more in the future.
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love Indie. Which is why I'm super excited about the next track: Beggar in the Morning by The Barr Brothers. Indie to the point of singer-songwriter acoustic, it's exactly the kind of sound I like to chill out to. A song you can imagine on the soundtrack of something like 500 Days of Summer, it's both happy in sound, but powerful in lyrics. Perfect to listen to on those sunny mornings in to work.
I absolutely adore Fink. This is the Thing is one of my favourite songs ever. Synapson has taken his track, Maker, and given it an ingenious makeover, putting in some extra instrumentals and a Funky House beat. Warning: may result in sex.
On my weekend on the East Coast we had no choice but to listen to late-night Kiss FM. As much as I have my doubts about late-night radio (I can't help but think about Alan Partridge), this song came on and totally blew me away. It's Aeroplane's remix of Grace Jones' William's Blood. I'll be honest, I'm not a massive fan of Miss Jones, but what Aeroplane have done to this track is bloody epic. Not quite Progressive House, not quite Dub, it's seven and a half minutes of awesome. And 'awesome' is a genre.
Next up are two songs by Jakubi, a new artist I discovered this week. Although I've kind of gone off new Hip-Hop lately (too many Drake and Kanye wannabes as far as I'm concerned), I can't help but like this guy's style. In both Can't Afford it All and Holiday there are fewer bitches, hoes, and expletives; more in keeping with mid-00's artists such as Gym Class Heroes - combining rap with melodies that you will have in your head for days. There might not be much of a 'message', but with a vibe this happy, who really gives a shit.
Finally, we have Misterwives with Coffins, who are following in the footsteps of female-led bands such as The Jezabels. These bands combine unusual lyrical themes with beautiful melodies and instrumentals (in this case, violins) to produce moving and emotive tracks that offer up a new meaning with every listen. Powerful stuff.
Love,
Belle x
Wednesday
Wish List Mondays #37 - It's Indie Rock'n'Roll For Me.
For
any of you who are familiar with Nails Inc. products, you’ll know that their gimmick
is naming their Nail Polish colours after London streets and areas; colours
that ‘personify’ that particular part of London: Pillarbox Red for ‘St James’,
canary yellow for ‘Carnaby Street’, charcoal grey for ‘The Thames’ (no one can
disagree with that…). Well I thought this was pretty cool, so I copied it with
my iPod playlists – all named after Tube Stops. Hyde Park for those songs
perfect for barbeques and sunbathing. Covent Garden for songs that put a smile
on your face, and a spring in your step. Brixton for UK Hip Hop (natch.).
Recently I’ve been listening a lot to Camden Town, the spiritual home of Indie
Rock’n’Roll c.2006. Back then you could pop into the pub on the corner and you’d
bump into Kate Moss, Amy Winehouse (RIP) and Pete Doherty, Alex Turner and his
Arctic Monkeys, and probably a couple of The Cribs, Editors, Kasabian and Franz
Ferdinand. These were not just the glory days of Indie Rock’n’Roll. These were
my glory days. And, to be honest, I still haven’t really moved on. I still try
and emulate Kate Moss at Glastonbury c. 2005. I like having bed hair. I like
looking like I’ve stolen my wardrobe from a drugged-up rocker boyfriend. I like
skinny jeans with boots, army jackets with aviators, and alcohol with
cigarettes. If imitation is the highest form of flattery, then I’m practically
bowing down at the altar of The Moss. So this week, in honour of Indie Rock’n’Roll,
Kate Moss, and probably my own, glory days, I thought I’d put together a Wish
List that 2006 would be proud of. So grab a packet of Malboro Reds, a old copy
of NME, and a bottle of Glen’s because “it’s Indie Rock’n’Roll for me”.
1. Tall Hooded Lightweight Jacket, Topshop, £60. Neighbour hood, here.
2. Face Coin Ring by Laura Lee, ASOS, £185. Not just a pretty face, here.
3. Panasonic RP-HTX7 Retro-Style Headphones in Green, Play.com, £42. Press play, here.
4. Leighton Shoulder Bag, BCBG Max Azria, $268. Cold shoulder, here.
5. Mix Match Check Shirt, Topshop, £30. Check it out, here.
6. Denim Shirt Dress, H&M, £30. You gotta be shirting me, here.
7.'Nice Melody' Light Grey Suede Wedge Boots, Clarks, £60. 50 shades of grey, here.
8. Corduroy Trousers, H&M, £15. Play some cords, here.
9. Desert Boots in Sand, Clarks Originals, £79. Original gangster, here.
2. Face Coin Ring by Laura Lee, ASOS, £185. Not just a pretty face, here.
3. Panasonic RP-HTX7 Retro-Style Headphones in Green, Play.com, £42. Press play, here.
4. Leighton Shoulder Bag, BCBG Max Azria, $268. Cold shoulder, here.
5. Mix Match Check Shirt, Topshop, £30. Check it out, here.
6. Denim Shirt Dress, H&M, £30. You gotta be shirting me, here.
7.'Nice Melody' Light Grey Suede Wedge Boots, Clarks, £60. 50 shades of grey, here.
8. Corduroy Trousers, H&M, £15. Play some cords, here.
9. Desert Boots in Sand, Clarks Originals, £79. Original gangster, here.
NIGHT
1.Paris Kitsuné Tshirt by Kitsuné, EndClothing, £49. On the streets of Paris, here.
2. Honeycomb Necklace by Bill Skinner, ASOS, £80. Busy bee, here.
3. Kitsuné Tee x Genevieve Gauckler Tokyo Tee, EndClothing, £49. Tee off, here.
4. Super Stretch Leather-Look Leggings, H&M, £13. Hell for leather, here.
5. Wool-Crepe Blazer by Saint Laurent, Net-a-Porter, £1,865. Get blazed, here.
6. Printed Chiffon Dress, H&M, £25. Print off, here.
7. Metal Trim Boots, Topshop, £80. Heavy Metal, here.
8. 6 Pack of Mid-Stack Rings, ASOS, £8. Get the stack, here.
Love,
Belle x
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
